One of the great Catholic treasures in the D.C. Metro area is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America and one of the ten largest churches in the world. If you have not explored it, this weekend is a good time to do so.
This Friday, to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart and to initiate the Year of the Priest, Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, will celebrate Mass in the Crypt Church of the Basilica. Mass begins at 12:10 p.m.
The National Shrine is currently celebrating its 50-year Jubilee. November 20, 2009 will mark the 50th Anniversary of its dedication. Pope Benedict XVI has granted a Plenary Indulgence to those who make a pilgrimage to the Upper Church of the Shrine. The penitent faithful who wish to receive this Indulgence must devoutly participate in the liturgical celebrations or other pious exercise for an appropriate amount of time and conclude the pilgrimage with the Our Father, the Creed, and Invocations to the Immaculate Virgin Mary. In addition, they must make a sacramental Confession, receive the Eucharist, and pray for the intentions of the Pope within several days before or after they make their pilgrimage.
At this point it might be helpful to say a word about indulgences. Contrary to popular perception, the practice of gaining indulgences remains part of Catholic doctrine. From the Catechism:
"An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints."
"An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin." The faithful can gain indulgences for themselves or apply them to the dead. (CCC #1471)
The indulgence has no effect on Eternal punishment. You cannot buy your way into Heaven. However, even though sins have been forgiven by God, temporal punishment may still be due. Christ gave the Church the authority to lessen or remove the temporal punishment of sin. This is the function of indulgences.
The National Shrine helps you meet the requirement for a pilgrimage to the Upper Church by sponsoring a Pilgrimage Saturday on the third Saturday of each month. This Saturday, June 20, from 3-4 p.m., you can offer devotions at the chapels of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Our Lady Help of Christians, Our Lady Queen of Hearts, and Mother of Perpetual Help. Meet in the narthex by the main doors.
Finally, on Sunday, June 21, enjoy the musical heritage of the National Shrine by attending the third installment of its Summer Recital Series. Christopher Jacobson will perform at 6:00 p.m. His program will include works by Durufle, Fleury, and Dupre.
Even if you cannot make these special events, make sure you visit the National Shrine often. I recommend taking a guided tour on one of your first visits. The gift shop and book store at the Shrine are excellent. There is also a very affordable cafeteria.
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